EB5 Investors Magazine Volume 3 Issue 3 | Page 77

EB5 Investors Magazine: Based on your experiences, were there any aspects throughout the EB-5 application that were particularly difficult? David: Being from Northern Ireland, we had to apply for EB-5 with British passports, so we had to make several trips down to London. It was those unexpected costs that you do not think of that really add up – things like doctors visits for paperwork and visits to the embassy. Finally, for our Consulate interview we had to fly all six of us down to London. EB5 Investors Magazine: When did you obtain your permanent green card? Were your investment funds repaid? Are you satisfied with your life in America? David: Altogether, the application process took about two years. We started the process in 2008, and were able to move in 2010, when we received permanent residency. Yes, we received an email from Patrick Hogan in April or May of this year saying that the project was ready to liquidate, and that we would need to complete the paperwork to receive our investment. It took a few months for all investors to get the paperwork in and processed, but we received the final check around August 2015. We ended up receiving a little bit less than we had invested because of administrative fees, but that was to be expected and we had been informed of that from the beginning. EB5 Investors Magazine: What was the most challenging part of moving to the United States and getting situated once you arrived? David: The move itself was fairly smooth. We coordinated beforehand with the teachers at our childrens’ school, and were in touch with them about six weeks before we got here. We bought a house, we are just South of Daytona Beach, and I started looking for a job. That was something that we needed to do once we had the ability to work here, which was a factor in our decision, because we could not have moved here without work or a source of income, and for planning for retirement. I first got a job at Disney and worked there for about five years, and just this year I moved to another job. My wife and I both work to support our family, and I also manage our rental properties here in Florida. Our home in Northern Ireland is now a rental. EB5 Investors Magazine: Are you thinking of applying for citizenship? Why? David: Yes, we will likely start that process next year. The green card has to be renewed every 10 years, and we think it would be easier for our kids if they have citizenship. ★ WWW.EB5INVESTORS.COM 75